Späti Survival Food
"The Späti (Spätkauf) is a late-night corner store open until 2am or later, sustaining Berlin's nightlife economy with survival food: frozen pizzas, instant noodles, chips, chocolate bars, energy drinks, and cold beer. It's how you survive 4am when everything else is closed and you're too broke or lazy for a restaurant. Spätis are the social heart of neighborhoods—buy a beer and sit on the bench outside with locals."
Logistics
Affordable
Vibe
Essential, nocturnal
Duration
Quick stop
Best For
Late night
The Backstory
Spätis emerged in East Berlin (GDR) as 'Spätkauf' (late purchase) stores staying open past normal hours. After reunification, they exploded in popularity as Berlin's nightlife culture grew. Now they're everywhere, often run by Turkish, Arab, or Vietnamese families. They're open when everything else is closed, making them essential infrastructure.
Local Secret
"Stock up on Späti snacks before a night out—frozen pizza, chips, chocolate. Beer is €1-2, much cheaper than bars. Many Spätis have benches outside where locals gather—this is the Berlin social scene. Some sell fresh sandwiches and hot food. If you're visiting on Sunday when supermarkets are closed, Spätis save your life (though prices are higher)."